Sharjah is set to strengthen its early years education system with the introduction of new Early Childhood Centres that will combine nurseries and kindergartens under one roof. The initiative is expected to make the transition from nursery to kindergarten easier for families while expanding access to government early years education across the emirate.
Announced by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the plan comes alongside an 18 per cent increase in government nursery enrolment for the 2026 to 2027 academic year. For parents, educators and school leaders, the move signals continued investment in the foundations of children’s learning and development.
Sharjah Early Childhood Centres to Support Smoother Transitions
One of the biggest challenges for families has been securing kindergarten places after children complete nursery, particularly in centres without kindergarten sections.
During the Direct Line programme, Sheikh Dr Sultan confirmed that children graduating from these nurseries can temporarily enrol in government schools until the new facilities are completed. Sheikh Dr Sultan said,
“They can now enrol in government schools until construction of the Early Childhood Centres is completed. I am personally following the matter, and we are working to build kindergarten classrooms in the existing nurseries as quickly as possible, God willing, because they offer particular advantages.”
Currently, 200 nursery graduates have already been admitted into kindergarten sections at four government centres in Al Suyoh, Al Rahmaniyah, Al Lu’lu’iyah and Kalba.
For parents, this offers greater continuity during a child’s early education journey while reducing uncertainty around school progression.
Government Nursery Capacity to Grow Across Sharjah
The expansion will take place in three phases, increasing the number of government nurseries from 40 to 47 across the emirate.
The first phase begins in August 2026 and will provide places for 2,402 children.
Meanwhile, the second phase will start in January 2027, creating capacity for 332 children. Furthermore, the third phase will launch in April 2027 with space for another 270 children.
As a result, total enrolment, including returning children and new admissions, will reach 3,004.
The additional capacity reflects Sharjah’s continued focus on expanding access to high quality early childhood education as demand continues to grow.
Why This Matters For Families and Educators
Early childhood education plays a vital role in children’s cognitive, social and emotional development. Research consistently shows that high quality early learning supports stronger academic outcomes and smoother transitions into primary school.
By bringing nurseries and kindergartens together within dedicated Early Childhood Centres, Sharjah aims to provide children with greater stability during these important formative years.
Additionally, educators may benefit from closer collaboration across the early years stages, helping create more consistent learning experiences for young children.
Wider Development Projects Announced
During the same programme, Sheikh Dr Sultan also confirmed that Al Mansour Fort in Khorfakkan will open soon as a major historical landmark. He said the fort would open soon, God willing, and would become Khorfakkan’s foremost landmark.
The Ruler also provided updates on the Kalba lake project, explaining that construction has been temporarily paused to resolve engineering challenges. He said engineers had advised that the lake must be enlarged to provide additional capacity for the incoming water. Otherwise, it would destroy everything that had been built.
Planning also continues for the Al Soor area in Kalba, with residential development focused near the Corniche while other buildings will be relocated to Al Dahiyat Suburb in the Al Nakheel District.
In addition, Sheikh Dr Sultan highlighted progress on the Al Hosoun infrastructure project in Al Madam, which includes upgrades to roads and public buildings. He said development in the country was moving at a remarkable pace and that they were strengthening people’s connection with their homeland while giving them every reason to take pride in it.
Planning also continues for the Al Soor area in Kalba, with residential development focused near the Corniche while other buildings will be relocated to Al Dahiyat Suburb in the Al Nakheel District.
In addition, Sheikh Dr Sultan highlighted progress on the Al Hosoun infrastructure project in Al Madam, which includes upgrades to roads and public buildings. Sheikh Dr Sultan said,
“Development in this country is moving at a remarkable pace. We are strengthening people’s connection with their homeland and giving them every reason to take pride in it.”
What Parents Should Watch Next
Families considering government early years education in Sharjah should watch for further announcements on the opening dates of the new Early Childhood Centres and future admissions guidance.
As enrolment continues to increase, the expanded network is expected to provide more children with access to high quality nursery and kindergarten education while supporting smoother progression into primary school.
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